Mandisa Thomas: Black Nonbeliever

[@Aja-Christian]

I could honestly cry. Being a Black female atheist can be so isolating. All these Black female bible thumpers around you and you just feel like you don't belong and you have to hide your thoughts and opinions because you're afraid of any backlash you may receive. And then to see videos like this basically confirming that I'm not alone, that they're *are* people out there of my race/ethnicity who know how I feel and understand what I'm going through and share my thoughts and views...I can't even describe how great that makes me feel. I don't feel so scared and lonely anymore. Thanks so much, Seth!

[@sonja4164]

CxHxRxIxSxTxIxAxN I know how you feel sis...

[@jessicaj.358]

I know how you feel too!!

[@michaelannen4168]

Keep the faith... syke, thank you for being yourself.

The difference between an atheist and a theist is, one has a foundation, the other does not! When an atheist judges someone, what is their foundation from which they judge? As a christian, if i steal, i can be called out for my wrong doings. I can repent, or be called out as a false christian. You can not do that with an atheist.

Read GENESIS and the book of JOB! We were given dominion over all other animals. You can act like the human created in the image of god like you were created to be, or you can act like an animal, YOU CHOOSE! Just remember, just like we judge one another, we will also be judged one day. Nature does not create anything other than what it is suppose to.

[@homeboy2449]

Proud to be an atheist from Kenya

[@Swahili1]

athiest from kenya too bro

[@lightbeing8174]

Home Boy Have you seen an exorcism over there I am pretty sure there is possessed people over there not just there but on every continent except Antarctica

[@OfMiceAndMegabytes]

Home Boy Glad to see the motherland awakening.

[@cornerstaple8747]

I'm happy to know humans evolved in Africa. We are all Africans.

[@verenamarie9210]

Me too and it's so isolating I'm the only athiest I've encountered in this country lol

[@austrianagreene5319]

im so happy that black nonbelievers inc. exist

[@wifinfotv9417]

NO SENSE

[@wifinfotv9417]

i CAN show your an egg on it ,you could READ in arabic language NATURALLY WRITTEN "there is GOD than GOD ". WHAT YOU GONNA DO NOW

[@ghostkilla96]

I'm 17, a black athiest, and I can certainly relate.

[@simplyunknown3549]

Me too, it's terribly hard

[@imjustateenagerizzlerbaby]

me too, i feel isolated sometimes

[@EisforEvil]

Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud-to be an atheist.

[@ANT-ej8ob]

+EisforEvil aye!

[@Meirlerman]

+EisforEvil Being an atheist isn't really a reason to be proud If anything, you should be proud on being skeptic... if that's actualy the reason why you're an atheist

[@EisforEvil]

James Powers Hogwash. The only thing me being an atheist means is that I don't believe in god. The rest of what you said is conjecture. Just because someone doesn't believe in god mean they HAVE to believe in evolution and the big bang. This silly reasoning is probably why you're a theist to begin with.

[@EisforEvil]

James Powers We do not claim any of that. The only thing atheist claim is that we do not believe in god. Which is the truth.

[@Dejawolfs]

+James Powers as a fundamentalist christian you believe that you were made from a lump of clay, set in motion with a magical golem spell. genesis 2:7 you also believe that something can come from nothing, e.g God. and finally you believe that among the hundreds of planets circling the over 100 BILLION stars in our galaxy, one of over 100 billion galaxies, you believe the creator of the universe would give a shit about nanoscopic bacteria clinging onto the surface of an insignificant speck of dust in the backwater of our galaxy? there's literally more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on every beach on earth. do you even understand the magnitude of the universe? i mean you can just look at the number of times the earth has been hit with cataclysmic meteorites to understand that clearly if he exists, he couldn't give less of a rats ass what happends to us. good evil, all that morality shit, on the grand scale doesn't matter one iota. one meteorite, one gamma ray burst, and all our petty earthly squabbles are rendered completely meaningless, because everything on earth will be dead. and somehow you believe that this immensely powerful universe, which could roast our planet in seconds is not capable of making a little slime-mould covering on spacedust.

[@mashondaknight9132]

I'm a black atheist and not afraid to say it.

[@checkwheelsdown8515]

"Hi Mashonda." Scream it to the heavens, er...the sky!

[@blacklyfe6881]

Same

[@jimstylin]

I'm a black Non-believer.

[@checkwheelsdown8515]

All the Black non believers in the group together in unison say, "Hi James."

[@chase135]

Im 12 and a believer in christianity

[@Conn30Mtenor]

@@chase135 why are you a Christian?

[@chase135]

@@Conn30Mtenor cause I follow christ you can't deny he is real I love him and he love me I feel his presence I'm 12 and have a deep understanding in him my life is not to live my way but his way and I live to be a son of GOD I'm an obedient son and I'm glad whites taught us blacks bout jesus and one day everyone will have to give a account on their life and if you don't believe and trust you will be in everlasting fire

[@Nexils]

@@chase135 There might've been someone back then called Jesus who was a great influencer and got Christianity on the road, but it's easy to deny or at least question his miracles and connection to god. He isn't the first son of a deity that dies and returns to life, either. Osiris - from Egyptian mythology - is another example of this. How do you know Jesus was the way described (four different ways, mind you) in the bible?

[@BlackGuyTv]

I'm another black atheist and proud of it!!

[@checkwheelsdown8515]

"HI BlackGuyTV"

[@kevinevans8892]

I hope you repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

[@markjones3402]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ_Qm4urZZWMhsU

[@markjones3402]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ68mIqNf5mYpKM

[@markjones3402]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4qvnYmHmLigrqc

[@MA-mk9rl]

letting go of this religion was the first step towards my success honestly

[@MrWINNSLAW]

"Over 75% of the troubles in the Black Community can be eliminated if we would just put our dollars into HBCU's and Black owned businesses and not the church. Since god is omnipotent then the church does not need our money to survive: he (god) can take care of everything himself."

[@truthatanycost3330]

Hey Mr Jason Winn... always curious as to your comments. I just love your take on 'sky daddy'... What I'd really love to hear about, is how there's NO MORE OPERATING UNDER 501 (c)3!!! Make the prosperity preaching pimps in the pulpit PAY TAXES!!! NO MORE TAX EXEMPTIONS 😶!

[@nappyscribe1987]

Jason Winn say That twice!!

[@nappyscribe1987]

Truth AtAnyCost 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@Don.M.]

Lost me in the first half, but yeah.

[@victorialife9340]

I used to live in Africa before we migrated to Australia and it was pretty unheard of to be an atheist where I am originally from. There was literally no one I had ever met who didn't go to church. It was/is just expected of you to be Christian. I am glad to live in a more secular nation, however, whenever I meet and talk or hang out with fellow black/African people (and my family), the problem is still the same. I have to pretend to still be Christian. Anyway, I am happy to now be an atheist!

[@gizmo3714]

You dont have to pretend. Tell them you respectfully disagree.

[@ombilinaikaku5090]

African atheist is taboo, you're right, don't even pretend, debate if need to it's the only way they will see why

[@Mark13091961]

Well done Victoria 👍🏻 - from a white atheist

[@eb9450]

@@gizmo3714 that’s easy when coming from a western perspective because individual identity has some value out here but as an African-born person like her, I understand why she may hide it. It’s the glue that holds community together. Depending on her culture some may even disown their kids, you lose friends, social status, even the most secular seeming Africans are very hostile to the idea of atheism. I empathize as to why someone may not want to lose all of that and keep that to themselves. Not me though I don’t mind if I’m disowned at this point 😂

[@GameFreak4Ever]

My face lit up when I saw this video. I'm proud to be an atheist! Proud to be black as well. Unfortunately living in the state of Texas my views tend to get dismissed.

[@BigMTBrain]

+Lifespiller79 I hear you, fellow Texan! I'm very nearly viewed as an untouchable alien among my extended family, who are all stridently religious, or at least very afraid to pose otherwise :D

[@loki2240]

I feel you. I live in Georgia, but I won't live in certain areas because of the religious climate.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

+BigMTBrain I understand that completely. It took awhile to open up to some family members. The fear of rejection is so real on my other side of the family.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

+loki2240 Trust I've thought about moving.

[@BigMTBrain]

Lifespiller79 Go to www.meetup.com and search your area for "humanist", "atheist", "black humanist", "black atheist", join and attend some events, and ENJOY engaging with and mutually supporting like-minded people. You won't feel so isolated.

[@sicktrooth9107]

i just came out to my parents as an atheist a couple weeks ago. I was so glad that they told me nothing was going to change. Last week in church (yeah they still force me to go) one of the pastors announced that she was having a "defending the faith" seminar. while in the car to go home after service my dad looks at me and says, "I think that seminar will be right up your alley" to which I replied that i disagreed. I can think of another A word that that seminar can be right up...

[@sicktrooth9107]

+hawklord2001 of course I do. However I know that they are going to believe what they believe regardless of how many times their arguments are debunked. I'd rather not not go because the arguments made by both sides will get no where for that exact reason.

[@chrisj7793]

How is this working out for you..?

[@kiyahyisrael1778]

You are a Hebrew! Go research sis

[@locojazz5770]

Got your back, sister! 👍🏾

[@lordblazer]

so they're mad the brainwashing didn't hold, and want to re-educate you IE: brainwash you.

[@IntrovertAquarius]

My Awakening has just begun and I'm glad I found this channel...thank you

[@dekishajones282]

black atheist. ..here!!!

[@checkwheelsdown8515]

"Hi Dekisha"

[@ourydiallo7904]

Black atheist from west Africa. It’s a lone journey but it’s totally worth it. Let’s keep moving forward 💪

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

Long overdue.

[@lightbeing8174]

Uncleanunicorn I am just getting started I am ready for an exorcism

[@bridgebridgebridge]

We exist!

[@ANT-ej8ob]

+TheEggDirb aye, tis we do!=)

[@markwoods4439]

I’m glad to know that the black non-believers exist and I’m not the only one. Thank you!

[@murphrock7468]

This video makes me feel that I am not alone as a black nonbeliever. Great video Seth

[@ambitious6963]

I'm a proud Jamaican black none believer ✊🏿

[@cpoinsette]

Proud Black Atheist, former Catholic, from Texas.

[@SooperFlye]

I'm 60 years old, and I've been a *PROUD HARDCORE ATHEIST* since I was about 10-11 years old. Began to question the existence of such a god when I was about 7-8 years old. _And I never looked back!!_

[@GoodAvatar]

In the Army I met several black atheists. I have to admit, it took a little dancing to get them to admit it, and I hadn't experienced Christopher Hitchens or Matt Dillahunty yet, but I think atheism among blacks is a bit more widespread than people think. It was one of my beginning moments of atheism, actually.... Talking to a black guy about the Bible, and as we were talking we both realized we didn't know what we were talking about almost simultaneously. We laughed about it, and after that I read the Bible. Once you realize this is bullshit, you're confronted with a choice... Do I keep going down the rabbit hole and see where it goes, or do I get scared and decide to be dishonest? Black people have a lot more societal pressure to not push or press too hard. It's a real thing. It's fucking weird, but it's very real.

[@loki2240]

Fortunately, my parents weren't super religious. So, that made it easier for myself and 2 of my other 5 siblings to reject religion. But we don't really discuss it much with the other siblings or with our parents because they're just not in a place where they could have much productive discussion about it. I've been trying to get my mother to reject some of her fundamentalist beliefs (anti-evolution, homosexuality is a sin) for years. And she has changed her views on gays and lesbians, or rather she's being more honest about the thoughts she already had about there being nothing wrong with them. But it was 20 years before I told her that I don't believe in God. And her first question was about seeing our loved ones when we die. Once I gave a brief rebuttal to dualism, she said out loud that maybe Heaven is just wishful thinking. But I don't think I'd be able to get anywhere near that far with my dad or other 3 siblings. And almost all of my extended family wouldn't be able to deal with it, either. My partner's family is more religious than mine, but they're not overbearing. Although, I was kind of put off when her aunt bought our oldest son one of those kid's Bibles with the terrible Noah's Ark story made cutesy. I love her aunt, but that's a terrible story and our son wasn't even 4 months old yet.

[@loki2240]

Fortunately, my parents weren't super religious. So, that made it easier for myself and 2 of my other 5 siblings to reject religion. But we don't really discuss it much with the other siblings or with our parents because they're just not in a place where they could have much productive discussion about it. I've been trying to get my mother to reject some of her fundamentalist beliefs (anti-evolution, homosexuality is a sin) for years. And she has changed her views on gays and lesbians, or rather she's being more honest about the thoughts she already had about there being nothing wrong with them. But it was 20 years before I told her that I don't believe in God. And her first question was about seeing our loved ones when we die. Once I gave a brief rebuttal to dualism, she said out loud that maybe Heaven is just wishful thinking. But I don't think I'd be able to get anywhere near that far with my dad or other 3 siblings. And almost all of my extended family wouldn't be able to deal with it, either. My partner's family is more religious than mine, but they're not overbearing. Although, I was kind of put off when her aunt bought our oldest son one of those kid's Bibles with the terrible Noah's Ark story made cutesy. I love her aunt, but that's a terrible story and our son wasn't even 4 months old yet.

[@GoodAvatar]

Übermensch Always good to run across a Nietzsche fan. Oddly enough, one of the best conversations I've ever had about atheism was with a black atheist who had also read Nietzsche. That man became one of the best friends of my life. Not Nietzsche, the black dude. :-P Very articulate guy, very good company. I miss hanging out with him.

[@Tethloach1]

+GoodAvatar the best way to spread atheism is for people to know that they exist and they are regular people not just scientist. awareness alone can increase the numbers. global awareness of atheism, open atheism. I would have been an atheist sooner if it was readily accessible. dropping religion was easy, dropping the god part was tough, I am agnostic atheist. it is technically accurate.

[@Wildcard120]

Hitchens was a great guy. wish I had met him.

[@lwiggins2able]

I am a proud atheist!!

[@checkwheelsdown8515]

"Hi LDenise"

[@christinam6663]

It's always mind boggling to see the non-belief in Christianity as an affront to the _heritage_ of black people. Like, do these people even realize where Christianity came from and how it came to them in the first place?

[@loki2240]

That was one of the things that led me to reject Christianity. What kind of deity would spread their religion through slavery, killing, and oppression? I became a deist for a few years before admitting to myself that I was an atheist in college.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

The Stockholme Syndrome is a very real thing....

[@mellodees3663]

+Christina M It was a coping mechanism. It allowed gathering and community building that would least likely be met with hostility.

[@Kalarandir]

+Christina M I really do hate it when people conflate Christianity with slavery. Almost every culture and religion, including the black cultures these people were abducted from, up until the 19th century when the British Empire decided to expunge slavery and the slave trade, were slave owning.  To put it simply, slavery was simply an accepted norm, and for European Christians it was an experience they had had to deal with for over a 1000 years before they entered the slave trade. Perhaps in Christianity the black people of America saw the plight of early Christians akin to that which they found themselves in, and it gave them hope. I also hate having to stand up for religion, but I hate history revisionists more.

[@christinam6663]

Brian John I wasn't even referring to slavery. Africa is the origin of many, many native religions - _none_ of which are Christianity. Abandoning these religions without a second thought in favor of "white culture" (i.e. Christianity) and thus denying their own "heritage" is just an example of the sheer irony of the situation. Then take a look at how Christianity came to black people in the first place (Hint, hint: It wasn't and isn't just slavery) and who brought it to them. No one is conflating slavery with Christianity. No one is revising history. No one is saying black people are the only (or majority of) victims of slavery. That is all in your head.

[@asiwajukofi2933]

I am a huge black Atheist

[@mollymathis830]

This is why science is so important. All humans originated in Africa. We are all African and we are all related. No need for hate.

[@aewilliams76]

So glad you brought this to light. Soon as I came out of the Atheist closet and the way my family reacted it made me see how ingrained Christianity is in the black community.

[@WanderingTaoist101]

I can not think of any reason why any person of any kind or creed can not be a freethinker.

[@loki2240]

It's not a matter of "can't." It's a matter of social pressure to conform. That may include shunning and even murder.

[@216trixie]

+WanderingTaoist101 if you listen to the video, you'll understand why it's so hard for blacks.

[@thegigadykid1]

Right I can't understand it either. Lol what makes me sick is people who take pride in being an ignorant conformist

[@dougm659]

So delighted to see black Americans speaking up for reason and knowledge rather than blind, stupid, credulous faith. Religion is another stone that weighs down black people, holding them back and keeping them “in their place”! Go sista, tell dumb America that you are not alone, spread the word!

[@mjallen1308]

I finally told my family that I was a non believer. It's hard being a part of very large and very religious (with southern baptist roots) African American family. Even the college educated members of my family are completely sold on faith and God. Even when I believed in God and Jesus, I wanted their to be hope and miracles but I never believed in Adam and Eve or the virgin birth or Noah and the flood or the Exodus. But I was afraid of God. I was afraid he didn't love me; afraid of going to hell... one day I took a step back and said why should I fear someone who is supposed to love me? Why should I believe in something that tells me I'm not worth anything without Jesus, I'm evil and disgusting. When I finally accepted that I'm an atheist, it was like a breath of fresh air and my whole outlook on life and how interact with and treat others has completely changed.

[@ombilinaikaku5090]

Actually why would you even believe in an old ancient book that contains threats or reward from a God that cannot show himself to everyone. That book is a fairytale.

[@brokengirl8619]

But the bible says even without Jesus you are worth everything to God because he gave up heavens best, the most valuable thing, himself, for you even when you are without him. That means you are extremely valuable to God. Plus the bible in Hebrew is alot different than it is in shitty english. God isn't vengeful, he's also not all powerful in the way we think of all powerful.

[@mjallen1308]

@@brokengirl8619 well he also doesn’t exist in the way that existence is defined.

[@Go2010SFGiants]

I wish there were something like this when I was younger. Thank you so much for your work

[@ches95ramos]

I love her message so much!!!

[@princeofexcess]

This is extremely similar to the polish community. Church is historically seen as an organization that saved us from communism. Poland is the most religious country in Europe. Coming out as an atheist is extremely hard because of this.

[@TheIrieman15]

I think there's a lot of black non-believers out there like me, but it's a closet some dare not come out of. sadly

[@soulbeatzmajor]

Black Atheist here. And I feel better than I ever felt before .

[@lamarreerickson3502]

It took me hears to finally begin questioning what had been fed to me since birth. It's a really hard pill to swallow, but I am getting there. It's such a taboo to be non-believer in the black community.

[@SchizoNiko]

This is, as Mandisa says, a subject that doesn't get touched on very often, but I would love to hear more from the African American atheist community about their experiences.

[@haudace]

for myself, the experience is that of quiet solitude in my own atheistic thoughts.

[@AbsolveAsGaad]

Fact

[@rin6521]

Finally! I can't tell you how wonderful this is to see. It's really important that we show the world that we aren't just a monochrome, mono-gender group, maybe the single most important thing we can do right now as a movement. Great job Seth, we need more of this, much much more!

[@abreafrierson7534]

I love it it's another level to my consciousness ...thank you Black kings and queens ...peace in everything you say and do...

[@jaymills7670]

This was so refreshing indeed. Thank you

[@Mythodiir]

To be black, or from a Muslim background, and to be a non-believer, that takes a level of character a lot of people don't understand. True bravery and commitment to truth. Being an Atheist in general takes a fuckton of bravery.

[@extantpoet9331]

The sooner we escape from the prison of faith, the sooner we will realize our potential.

[@MartellThaCool]

I'm happy to be an black atheist and freethinker

[@patricezeal5600]

For me, the most annoying thing that I ever encounter as a Black Nonbeliever is meeting new people (usually Christians) who have never (to their knowledge) encountered a non-believer. I find the responses to their new reality sad and disturbing for far too many. I wish more Christians were taught how to positively interact with others who reject their core belief system(s). I am always amazed to witness the sincere surprise of adults in their 20s, 30s and even 40s who admit that they have never (before now) ever met an atheist; especially a non white atheist. I usual inform these people that not every atheist will make such an announce, and that they have most likely met thousands of non-theists throughout their lifespan. I add that many atheist (similar to many gays) still live in the closet regarding their true selves for fear of alienation, malicious acts directed at their children, and/or general fear of unwanted confrontation.

[@lordblazer]

it's sometimes not even a rejection of their belief system. There are 5 billion people who aren't christian... they never been to a church nor picked up a bible. They have their own beliefs and have done just fine just like everyone else. When I was living in Japan I noticed there was a huge lack of religiosity within the society. Buddhism and Shintoism have left their cultural mark on Japan. But overall, people didn't take it as literal belief. They weren't having conversations about their beliefs or the importance of following the four noble truths. You had a minority of christians there that had a unique history (christians in Japan were actually persecuted for 300 yrs).. the only christians I met in Japan that were in your face trying to get you to go to their church or ask about a church home were the african population that lived in Japan. atleast from my experience. Japanese people in general don't care too much about what religion you follow. In fact they'll say "oh you're christian, cool, so did you catch the baseball game last night?" Of course there are religious people in Japan. They're just a minority. And nobody makes their lives difficult. No one is ostracizing a person for being religious. Nobody is being violent towards that person for being religious. The thing is, I am seeing this type of violence coming from religious folks all the time.

[@deeshannongarrison5115]

There is nothing about your videos and podcasts that isn't awesome. Awesome content, awesome production, professional... your work is basically like Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way. Thank you Seth.

[@TheThinkingAtheist]

+DeeShannon Garrison You're very kind. Thank you. -Seth

[@alicee2952]

I was about to say a similar comment. Great work you do Seth. :-)

[@krukeemail5573]

+DeeShannon Garrison You didn't watch the Steve Shives video, clearly. Honestly, the only reason I even watched this video was that I was half expecting it to be neo-progressive, race-baiting propaganda designed to further the social justification of atheist communities. ...I'm glad he didn't go down that road.

[@TaelurAlexis]

^^^Go figure

[@sonja4164]

I'm so happy to see this! Thank you!

[@izzyisree5307]

Proud Atheist from Jamaica living in Wisconsin.

[@superNowornever]

So glad she mentioned Bayard Rustin and A Philip Randolph. I'm so disappointed when I talk to younger black Americans who know nothing about these seminal civil rights leaders - atheist, gay etc.

[@gaillewis5472]

The indoctrination is very strong. I have heard people with multiple masters degrees or PhDs speak with a tone of learned helplessness that they would never use at work, with a physician, or repairman, yet suddenly "God is good all the time," when there is a preventable situation. They elect to do nothing but pray when action is necessary.

[@KingNez89]

this was absolutely beautiful this women should be one of the spokeswomen for black atheist. she broke this down so eloquently. this is great stuff!

[@Zonedweller]

Very bright young lady. All well said.

[@ANT-ej8ob]

+Chad Burnett aye!

[@melchizedeck.]

I’m agnostic and very black and happy about it.

[@cjmixmaster]

Not an atheist, but just not being apart of the Christian faith in our culture is enough to get family to turn you away. They are so caught up in something that wasn't even their culture to begin with.

[@thenorwegian76]

A very positive and uplifting video Seth.

[@musiqal333]

This hit home for me. Black, atheist, and still hitched to a deeply religious social network.

[@rodneyparker5313]

We are here. Non-belief is the ultimate form of truth-seeking. It is the attempt of the human mind to relieve the anxiety of cognitive dissonance caused by the disconnect between what we are told to believe and see and what the brain knows to be true. The more you research the more free you will be.

[@morgan4xl]

This lady really is "free at last"!!

[@ryanfrancis9134]

I am black and I am also an atheist and I am NOT afraid of being myself around friends and family and sometimes I can see how uncomfortable they get when I speak openly about my disregard for God and religion, but I do not care because they are allowed to believe these ridiculous things and express those ridiculous thoughts everyday. If they can be themselves, so can I, and I will NOT let "hurt" feelings stop me from living my truth.

[@luminyam6145]

These are wonderful videos and podcasts Seth, thank you for being such a kind and rational voice for atheism and humanism. It means so much to me. I was raised in a fundamentalist home and this is like a breath of fresh air.

[@awesumpowerz6805]

Love this ... Thank you Mandisa Thomas ...

[@doneestoner9945]

I love the background music (and Mandissa)

[@theagathokakological3052]

The base is in Atlanta. We need this like believers need church. I'm in Memphis. I'm almost tempted to relocate if it weren't from my online experiences with the atheist community so far and my distrust to anything online.

[@davidcattin7006]

Peer pressure is strong! Thank you for speaking out.

[@Domzdream]

Look how many lives religion has ruined. Ironically! You're supposed to love thy neighbor, not reject them or judge them. What is wrong with you Christians .

[@nappyscribe1987]

I’m a nonbeliever in Detroit who would love to be a part of this association.

[@IsJdog911]

Why is there not a group like this in the Caribbean

[@MasAfiyaYa]

Being an atheist is not something I have actively chosen, but rather a natural conclusion I have arrived at through my experiences and reflections. It feels as though my understanding of the world and my place in it has led me here, without me consciously steering in that direction. Even as a child, I asked many questions about the world around me, always curious about how things worked. I found an early fascination with science and logic, and these interests have continued to shape my view of life. It’s about seeking answers and understanding through observation and rational thinking, rather than relying on faith or traditions. There are times when I feel somewhat detached from others, especially when I find myself in situations where religious beliefs and rituals are central. In these moments, I can feel a certain sense of being an outsider, but I always strive to approach others' beliefs with respect and expect the same in return. I believe we can all learn from each other, even if we do not share the same beliefs. For me, it’s about finding meaning and morality outside the framework of religion. I believe in living a good life, striving to do right and good for others based on empathy and humanity. It’s an approach where I see it as our shared responsibility as humans to care for each other and our world. When it comes to the big questions in life, like the meaning of life or what happens after death, I often find myself reflecting on these without having fixed answers. But instead of feeling lost, I find a sort of freedom in focusing on the present and the relationships I build here and now. I believe we create our own meaning through our actions and the bonds we form. Being an atheist does not mean I do not feel wonder or admiration for the universe and nature. On the contrary, I often feel a deep appreciation for the world's complexity and beauty, which gives me both perspective and humility. It reminds me that we are all part of something larger, and it is important to care for and respect it.

[@KamilahHarris]

Awesome Piece!!!! I love this organization, what it stands for, and is doing. I'm a Black Nonbeliever myself and it's always good to know that there are entities in existence that look like and identify with me.

[@robgroy]

Wonderful lady! Articulate and intelligent one on one at atheist meetings she brings a passion to unbelief. She is an excellent public speaker. This is a good Video.

[@Troubleshooter125]

Mandisa makes many of the same points that Jeremiah Camara did in his presentation to the 38th FFRF conference in Madison, Wisconsin in October of 2015. I applaud her for coming out and being public about this issue, and I hope to hear many more black atheist voices sound off in the near future. Brava, Mandisa, and thank you, Seth!

[@PianoGirl091]

There is a great KZbin channel everyone here needs to check out called Atheist Minority. It's a channel run by a young black woman who is a nonbeliever. She is absolutely brilliant and makes so many good points in her videos. My favorite video of hers is the one where she addresses the black community and more or less breaks down for them why they shouldn't be Christian, or at the very least, why they should rethink being Christian. Her eloquence and intriguing video topics make her such a great KZbinr. Everyone should check her out!

[@Reason_over_Dogma]

+PianoGirl091 shes great. I love her.

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

I am glad to see that the criticism of religious beliefs is slowly expanding amongst individuals within "Black America".

[@1maggotbrain]

I love her message to Black folks, there’s hope after all , I’m in Atlanta can I join?

[@walkercorry5412]

Makes no sense why a population of people would go from literal involuntary slavery to figurative voluntary slavery...but then it does...religion infects our basic human integrity, those are not my words, thank our human brother Christopher Hitchens!!

[@JaIch9999]

Childhood indoctrination. A mixtureof fear, guilt, shame, hope and promises.

[@dianet5918]

God is love, God is real and not believing in Him does not stop Him from being God. We will all have to answer to Him. If you seek Him you will find Him. He loves you, and He desires to have a relationship with you. Sometimes the things that we go through in life can make us feel like their is no God but the reason you survived it at all is because God brought you through it. He is able to heal the hurt and take the pain away. I'm sharing my experience with God not something someone told me. In church don't put your eye on a person no matter what their title is the focus should always be about God. Man will fail you but God never fails.

[@boglerun8444]

'..not believing in Him does not stop Him from being God' However, without any evidence his existence cannot be proven. Hitchen's razor "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence."

[@wonderful4life]

Black Male LGBTQ Proud Atheist here! ❤

[@inezaa]

Bro this the 3rd video I’ve seen you under I’m shocked 😂

[@wonderful4life]

@@inezaa I'm a HARDCORE Atheist, what can I say!🤷🏾‍♂️🙃

[@jimstylin]

Thanks for sharing Seth. People should know this.

[@jtp2r]

Here supporting Mandisa!

[@pamelaf7764]

So glad that a choice is possible. When hearing some of the reasons for non belief it does make a question come to mind and it seems as though Christianity is a habitual part of life for African Americans.

[@TheKomentor]

I am a pigmy from Africa and a non-believer. I need my own Pigmy Nonbeliever organisation that I can be the treasurer of please.

[@gottliebdee263]

Mandisa is of course American and the UK has it's own problem with religious black people but there are significant differences. The in general US has a religion problem.

[@jeffjones6951]

WOW. You are wonderful! But until this very moment i did not believe that you existed (the irony is cutting!). Thank you

[@mrScififan2]

Intelligent lady

[@jackiecshistory]

I’m a unapologetically black non-believer!!!

[@hackerp49]

Awesome.These are the kind of people I cherish the most. If you want something done right you have to do it yourself.

[@OneMansHeretic]

this is one of the most amazing black woman to exist

[@kidney122398]

Thank you Seth. I enjoy this video. I can relate to this subject since I am a black nonbeliever. It is hard to come out and how the black community make it that blacks cannot be atheists. I wonder how my great-aunt who is atheist was treated through the years. She inspired me to question and use critical thinking through education.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Question, question, question. This organization could not have come into being if these folks didn't want to figure out answers beyond what they have been fed since birth. Although I am not religion based in any way and do believe in a great source of power beyond myself, I appreciate this video. Kudos!

[@Grim_Beard]

Great to hear your voice added to the conversation Mandisa :-)

[@alicepratt4956]

We Exist !!!!! #nonbelieverforlife 🙌🏾

[@jeremywright9511]

Hey, your hair looks great :D

[@nerdieone1]

Wonderful video! :)

[@HelloKittie309]

Finally. How can you believe in a God that didn't help your ancestors during slavery??

[@ombilinaikaku5090]

He also advocated for slavery

[@boglerun8444]

@@ombilinaikaku5090 Good point, well made.

[@Jarb2104]

I am Latino Atheist and proud of it!, sorry that I am not a black person, but I am still proud of black Atheists :)

[@Froghousie]

Found my channel yasss. Thanks for this channel. I appreciate you.

[@dgreenlee8036]

Black non believer here. Currently in Shreveport Louisiana but trust me I feel alone.

[@hanyuguo]

If Exodus 21 isn't a good enough reason for any person not to believe, I don't know what is.

[@JaIch9999]

Believing something without scientific evidence, not even requiring evidence, considering believe without evidence a virtue. .... that's so crazy.

[@Jake24378]

This woman is amazing!!!!

[@austinaries9428]

I needed this fellowship in my life, yesterday! Where do I sign up???